For those who prefer digital over pen and paper, these are the best note-taking apps that you can download on your Android or iPhone. Some of the most popular options include Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote, and Evernote.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Google Keep |  | Android, iOS | 3.9/5 | 3B+ | Capture thoughts quickly, Share ideas easily, Organize notes effortlessly |
| 2. Microsoft OneNote |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 927M+ | Sync across devices, Capture pictures, Collaborate easily |
| 3. Evernote |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 368M+ | Syncs across devices, Customizable dashboard, Integrates with Google Calendar |
| 4. ColorNote Notepad Notes |  | Android | 4.8/5 | 196M+ | Quick and simple, Organize by color, Checklist option |
| 5. Notepad |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 25M+ | Unlimited notes, Import/export notes, Notes widget |
| 6. Notion |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 21M+ | All-in-one workspace, AI-powered search, Customizable templates |
| 7. Notepad, Notes, Easy Notebook |  | Android | 4.9/5 | 12M+ | Colorful backgrounds, Sticky notes widgets, Note lock |
| Load more |
1. Google Keep
Capture thoughts quickly, Transcribe voice memos, Collaborate with others
Cost: Google Keep (Free)
Google Keep is a note-taking app that is simple and accessible on your mobile device. With its label feature, you can organize your notes like folders, making it easy to find what you need. You can also create different colored text within notes for added visual appeal.
Despite its strengths, there are still some areas where Google Keep could improve. The search feature has been noted as needing improvement, and lists are currently shown as thumbnails instead of titles, which can make it difficult to quickly find the one you want. Additionally, there is no option to collapse notes to only show titles and the first few lines, which can be helpful when you have a lot of notes on your screen.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 Billion |
| Features | Create notes, lists, photos, and audio recordings; organize them with labels and colors; set reminders; collaborate with others in real-time. |
| Pros | Simple, user-friendly, free, and seamlessly integrated with other Google services. |
| Cons | Limited formatting options, lacks advanced note-taking features, and can be slow with large amounts of data. |
- Tags:
- Voice memos and transcription
- Quick capture with widgets
- Collaboration and sharing
✨ Read more: app for bucket list
2. Microsoft OneNote
Sync across devices, Seamless collaboration, Quick and easy note-taking
Cost: Microsoft OneNote (Basic) (Free), Microsoft 365 (Includes OneNote Premium) (Varies by plan)
Microsoft OneNote is a powerful note-taking app that allows you to effortlessly capture and organize your ideas. It's like having a digital notebook that's always at your fingertips, providing a seamless note-taking experience. With OneNote, you can say goodbye to cluttered notes and hello to a streamlined workflow.
OneNote's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. Despite minor frustrations like the desktop app's notebook organization and occasional glitches reported by users, OneNote remains a reliable choice. Its integration with other Microsoft products, such as Outlook, Word, and Excel, makes it a valuable tool for those deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Download:
Application information:
| Name | Microsoft OneNote |
| Downloads | Over 1 billion downloads |
| Features | Digital note-taking with text, handwriting, drawings, images, audio, video, web clippings, and more. |
| Pros | Free, feature-rich, cross-platform, excellent for organization. |
| Cons | Occasional syncing issues, limited offline functionality in free version, can be overwhelming for simple note-taking. |
- Tags:
- Cross-platform syncing
- Easy Note-Taking
- Image and media support
✨ Read more: app for 2d drawing
3. Evernote
Syncs across devices, Create to-do lists, Organize notes
Cost: Evernote Free (Free), Evernote Personal ($7.99/month)
Evernote was a beloved note-taking app that allowed users to effortlessly organize their thoughts and to-do lists, with the convenience of syncing across devices. However, recent updates have left users frustrated and disappointed. The new interface has removed useful widgets, making it more cumbersome to access notes. Additionally, intrusive pop-ups and excessive advertising have become a constant annoyance, disrupting the user experience.
Initially a five-star app, Evernote's free version has become increasingly restrictive, limiting access to features and bombarding users with upgrade requests. The wider line spacing within notes has also been met with disapproval. Consequently, many users have decided to switch to alternative note-taking apps or even Samsung's basic note feature, leaving Evernote behind as a shadow of its former self.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 100 million downloads |
| Features | Note-taking, task management, web clipping, file attachment, audio recording, handwriting recognition, cross-device synchronization, and collaboration features. |
| Pros | Versatile, feature-rich, cross-platform, and excellent for organization. |
| Cons | Can be expensive for premium features, sometimes feels cluttered, and the free plan has limitations. |
- Tags:
- Syncs across devices
- Tasks and to-dos
- Google Calendar integration
✨ Read more: app convert handwriting to text
4. ColorNote Notepad Notes
Easy note-taking, Versatile note formats, Quick and convenient
Cost: ColorNote Notepad Notes (Free), ColorNote Notepad Notes Pro ($4.99)
For your note-taking needs, look no further than ColorNote Notepad Notes, a user-favorite that empowers you to jot down ideas, create shopping lists, and manage your to-dos with effortless ease. Its lightning-fast accessibility lets you capture fleeting thoughts and important details on the go, while its organized structure ensures your notes remain readily available for retrieval.
ColorNote's intuitive interface and customizable color-coding options cater to a wide range of note-taking styles. Whether you're organizing your day, keeping track of recipes, or indulging in creative writing, ColorNote adapts seamlessly to your needs. Additionally, its robust password protection ensures the privacy of your sensitive notes, providing peace of mind and safeguarding your digital sanctuary.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 100 Million |
| Features | Color-coded notes, to-do lists, reminders, calendar integration, password protection, cloud backup, and widgets. |
| Pros | Simple, lightweight, and user-friendly with a wide range of features. |
| Cons | Limited formatting options, occasional sync issues, and intrusive ads in the free version. |
- Tags:
- Quick Note-Taking
- Simple interface
- Checklist Option
✨ Read more: app for grocery list
5. Notepad
Unlimited notes, Quick sharing, Backup and restore
Cost: Notepad Free (Free), Notepad Pro ($4.99)
For those seeking a simple yet effective note-taking app, look no further than Notepad. With its straightforward interface and reliable performance, it's perfect for jotting down quick memos, lengthy texts, or organizing your thoughts. As one user remarked, "Works pretty well without major hiccups, and works with voice recognition too."
Notepad's standout feature is its customization options. Color-coded tabs and customizable settings allow you to tailor the app to your specific needs. As another satisfied user shared, "I need tabs, organization and customization. This app has all that." The app's simplicity and ease of use make it a breeze to navigate, ensuring that your notes are always at your fingertips.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 24.5 million |
| Features | Lightweight notepad app for quick notes, lists, and code snippets with customizable themes, font options, and basic formatting. |
| Pros | Simple, fast, portable, and easy to use for basic text editing. |
| Cons | Lacks advanced features like rich text formatting, cloud sync, or collaboration tools. |
- Tags:
- Simple interface
- Unlimited notes
- Import/export notes
✨ Read more: app for to do list
6. Notion
Rich text editor, Powerful search, Extensive templates
Cost: Free Plan (Free), Plus Plan ($8/month)
Introducing Notion, the ultimate note-taking app that empowers you to organize your thoughts and stay on top of your tasks. With its intuitive interface and robust features, Notion has become a favorite among users seeking a comprehensive workspace.
Despite its many strengths, the Notion mobile app has received some criticism. Users have expressed desires for improved functionality, such as the ability to interact with widgets and view databases. While Notion excels on other platforms, the Android version has been plagued by bugs that have hindered its usability. Despite these shortcomings, Notion remains a valuable tool for those seeking a powerful note-taking and organization app. Its flexibility and customization options make it an excellent choice for users who want to tailor their workspace to their specific needs.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 20 Million |
| Features | Combines note-taking, task management, databases, wikis, and collaboration tools into one customizable workspace. |
| Pros | Versatile, customizable, and promotes collaboration. |
| Cons | Can have a steep learning curve, offline functionality is limited, and can be slow on large workspaces. |
- Tags:
- AI-assisted productivity
- All-in-one workspace
- Customizable templates
7. Notepad, Notes, Easy Notebook
Colorful backgrounds, Sticky notes widgets, Note reminders
Notepad, Notes, Easy Notebook is a versatile and user-friendly note-taking app that caters to a wide range of note-taking needs. Its distraction-free interface and intuitive design make it easy to jot down ideas, create to-do lists, plan your day, or simply record important information. Whether you're a student, a professional, or anyone who needs a reliable note-taking tool, this app has got you covered.
With its customizable options, Notepad, Notes, Easy Notebook allows you to personalize your note-taking experience. Choose from a variety of colors and organizational features to keep your notes organized and visually appealing. Plus, the app's compatibility with various devices ensures that you can access your notes anytime, anywhere.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10,000,000 |
| Features | Note taking, to-do lists, shopping lists, reminders, organization with color-coding and folders, customizable backgrounds, secure with passcode lock. |
| Pros | Simple, user-friendly, lightweight, customizable, and reliable. |
| Cons | Lacks advanced features like cloud sync, collaboration, handwriting recognition, or file attachments. |
- Tags:
- Quick Note-Taking
- Colorful Backgrounds
- Sticky Notes Widget
8. Squid
Natural handwriting, PDF markup, Real-time collaboration
Cost: Squid Premium ($9.99), Squid basic (Free)
Take handwritten notes for class, work, or fun with the Squid app! For college student, Squid allows you to take even better notes than you could by hand, with the support of a stylus and button and finger tools, allowing you to switch between tools seamlessly. You can upgrade to premium for more advanced features that are perfect for class or work.
Despite its strengths, Squid has some areas for improvement. The PDF importing function could be more streamlined, a multi-import function would be useful, and turning pages in a multi-paged PDF on a tablet should be more efficient. Additionally, the lack of collaboration, inability to rearrange notes within a notebook, and most importantly, no sync feature are major drawbacks. While you can set an automatic cloud update, you have to manually restore a backup every time you use a different device, which is inconvenient and poses a risk of losing your work.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million downloads |
| Features | Take handwritten notes naturally on active pens and passive styluses, markup PDFs, digitally sign documents, and organize and share notes. |
| Pros | Natural writing experience, versatile PDF handling, good organization features. |
| Cons | Limited cloud storage options, occasional performance issues, can be pricey for full functionality. |
- Tags:
- Natural handwriting
- Annotate PDFs
- Organize notes
9. WeNote
Color-coded notes, Easy to-do lists, Calendar reminders
Cost: WeNote Basic (Free), WeNote Premium ($9.99/year)
WeNote is a highly customizable note-taking app that allows users to organize their lives in a way that suits them best. With its tabbed interface and ability to password-protect specific tabs or the entire app, WeNote offers a secure and flexible way to keep track of everything from shopping lists to to-do lists to calendars.
Users appreciate WeNote's intuitive design and wide range of features, which include the ability to store screenshots under a "wish list" tab, add tags, and even lock certain notes or the entire app with a password or fingerprint. The developers are also responsive to user feedback, which makes WeNote a constantly evolving and improving app.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 5 Million |
| Features | Note taking, to-do lists, reminders, calendar integration, audio recording, handwriting, drawing, image and file attachments, cloud syncing, password protection. |
| Pros | User-friendly, feature-rich, reliable, and supports multiple formats. |
| Cons | Lacks advanced formatting options, collaboration features, customization options, and can be slow with large notes. |
- Tags:
- Easy Note-Taking
- Versatile Organization
- Privacy-Focused
10. Kilonotes
Handwriting recognition, PDF annotation, Card learning
Cost: Kilonotes Free (Free), Kilonotes Premium ($2.99 per month)
Kilonotes is a solid note-taking app that truly shines for its visual appeal. With its range of beautiful stickers and templates, you can unleash your creativity and organize your thoughts in a visually pleasing way. It's particularly well-suited for planning out stories, as the basic templates provide a great starting point for character names, title ideas, and more. You can even include pictures to bring your ideas to life.
Despite its strengths, Kilonotes is not without its drawbacks. The text box can be somewhat difficult to maneuver, and there are occasional bugs that can be mildly annoying. Additionally, the eraser only erases strokes instead of the intended area, and the "straight line" option for the brush, pen, and gel pen doesn't always work as intended. However, the developers are actively working to address these issues, and with continued attention to detail, Kilonotes has the potential to become a top contender in the note-taking app market.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 5 Million |
| Features | Note-taking, PDF annotation and reading, flashcards, handwriting, audio recording, cloud synchronization, and organization tools. |
| Pros | Versatile, feature-rich, user-friendly interface, and reliable. |
| Cons | Limited free version, occasional performance issues, and cloud storage can be expensive. |
- Tags:
- Freehand Writing
- PDF Annotation
- Test Exercise
11. Notebook
Syncs across devices, Easy to use interface, Supports multiple note types
Cost: Free Plan (Free), Premium Plan (Starts at $1.99 per month)
Notebook, a versatile note-taking app, effortlessly accommodates your note-taking needs. As one user remarked, it's a "great app for note taking," offering a seamless experience across multiple devices. With its user-friendly interface and customizable features, Notebook empowers you to organize and retrieve information with ease.
While not flawless, Notebook actively addresses user feedback. The development team has swiftly responded to issues, enhancing the app's functionality. As one user noted, "Devs are responsive and helpful," demonstrating the app's commitment to ongoing improvement. Despite minor shortcomings, such as occasional sorting glitches, Notebook's value lies in its practicality, reliability, and affordable pricing.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 4 Million |
| Features | Note-taking, checklists, audio recording, image/document attachment, organization with notebooks and tags, web clipper, syncing across devices, collaboration features, customization options. |
| Pros | User-friendly, feature-rich, cross-platform compatibility, free version available. |
| Cons | Limited offline functionality in free version, no handwriting support on web interface, occasional syncing issues reported. |
- Tags:
- Simple note-taking
- Multi-platform availability
- Variety of note formats
12. Notewise
Handwritten notes on iPad, Paper-like writing experience, Seamless collaboration
Cost: Notewise Free (Free), Notewise Pro ($9.99/month)
Notewise is an exceptional note-taking app that transforms your mobile device into a virtual notebook. With its intuitive interface and paper-like feel, you can capture ideas effortlessly and let them flow as smoothly as ink. Whether you're a student, a creative professional, or anyone who values the written word, Notewise empowers you to organize, annotate, and share your notes with ease.
This app is a true game-changer for those who seek a seamless and comprehensive note-taking experience. Users rave about its user-friendly features, customizable options, and the constant stream of updates that enhance its functionality. As one satisfied user put it, "Buying the full version has been absolutely worth it. This is easily the best note-taking app I've found for Android tablets." With its versatility and commitment to innovation, Notewise is the ultimate note-taking companion for your mobile adventures.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million |
| Features | Offers a realistic writing experience with a variety of pen types, customizable notebooks, PDF annotation, handwriting recognition, and cross-device syncing. |
| Pros | Intuitive interface, realistic writing feel, feature-rich. |
| Cons | Free version limitations, occasional performance issues reported on certain devices, limited third-party app integrations. |
- Tags:
- Natural handwriting
- Seamless Collaboration
- Extensive Note Organization
13. Jnotes：Note
Laser pointer recording, Text recognition, PDF annotations
Cost: Jnotes (Free)
Jnotes：Note is a versatile note-taking app that is easy to use and customizable, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike. With features like importing lecture PDFs, marking up notes, and exporting back to your preferred cloud storage, Jnotes：Note makes it easy to keep your notes organized and accessible. The ability to customize the interface also ensures that you can tailor the app to your specific needs.
However, some users have reported issues with the app, such as crashing and difficulty switching between edit and stylus modes. Additionally, the lack of multiple document support and the inability to import custom stickers may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, Jnotes：Note is a solid note-taking app with a range of features, but it may not be the perfect solution for everyone.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1.5 Million |
| Features | Handwriting support with pressure sensitivity, PDF annotation, shape recognition, image insertion, audio recording, and organization with notebooks and tags. |
| Pros | Natural handwriting experience, versatile for note-taking and PDF editing. |
| Cons | Limited cloud syncing options, lacks advanced features like handwriting recognition or OCR, interface can feel dated. |
- Tags:
- Handwritten notes
- Advanced Features
- Organization tools
14. DrawNote
Infinite canvas, All-in-one notepad, Handwriting recognition
Cost: DrawNote Free (Free), DrawNote Pro ($4.99)
DrawNote is a note-taking app that stands out with its versatility and privacy focus. It caters to diverse note-taking styles, allowing you to jot down ideas in text or unleash your creativity with handwriting and sketches. Unlike many other apps, DrawNote prioritizes your data security, giving you peace of mind that your notes remain confidential.
The app impresses with its impressive feature set, including the ability to set custom page backgrounds, seamlessly combine images and text, and export notes as PDFs. It also offers a range of customization options to tailor the app to your preferences. The lifetime subscription option is a standout feature, allowing you to enjoy the app's full potential without ongoing subscription fees. DrawNote has quickly become a favorite among users seeking a reliable and feature-rich note-taking solution.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Combines note-taking, to-do lists, mind mapping, sketching, and drawing tools in one app. |
| Pros | Versatile, user-friendly, and supports various media types. |
| Cons | Lacks advanced drawing tools and cloud sync features are limited in the free version. |
- Tags:
- Infinite Canvas
- All-in-One Note Taking
- Handwriting & Sketching
15. touchnotes
Handwriting to text, Voice recognition, Mind mapping
Cost: Free Plan (Free), Pro ($4.99/month)
Touchnotes is a fantastic note-taking app for Android users, offering a wide range of features and a user-friendly interface. It's perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to organize their notes and ideas. With its split-screen view, pen support, and cloud sync function, Touchnotes makes it easy to take notes, brainstorm, and collaborate with others.
Despite its strengths, Touchnotes has some areas for improvement. Users have reported occasional glitches, translation errors, and issues with the cloud sync function. Additionally, some users would like to see more text editing options, such as the ability to rotate, center, or right-align text. Despite these minor drawbacks, Touchnotes remains one of the best note-taking apps available for Android and is worth checking out for anyone looking for a comprehensive and feature-rich note-taking solution.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million |
| Features | Notetaking, mind mapping, flashcards, cloud synchronization, handwriting recognition, PDF annotation, audio recording, and image insertion. |
| Pros | Versatile, feature-rich, intuitive interface, and reliable performance. |
| Cons | Limited collaboration features, occasional syncing issues, and some advanced features require a subscription. |
- Tags:
- Handwriting to Text
- Mind Mapping
- Limitless Note Taking
16. Notein
Realistic handwriting, Smart summarization, Seamless cloud sync
Cost: Notein Free (Free), Notein Pro ($7.99)
Notein offers an exceptional note-taking experience, combining powerful features with an intuitive interface. With support for handwriting and PDF manipulation, you can capture and organize your ideas seamlessly. The recent addition of hyperlink creation empowers you to effortlessly connect related notes and resources.
Beyond its core functionality, Notein stands out for its attention to detail. The customizable Favorites toolbar streamlines access to frequently used tools. The ability to import fonts and create custom graph templates caters to the unique needs of different users, making it an ideal choice for students and professionals alike. With its advanced Layers Panel and seamless Google Drive integration, Notein empowers you to organize your notes with precision and efficiency.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 500,000 |
| Features | Handwriting-to-text conversion, PDF annotation, audio recording, customizable templates, cloud synchronization, and organization tools. |
| Pros | Intuitive interface, feature-rich, and reliable performance. |
| Cons | Limited third-party integrations, occasional syncing issues, and some advanced features require a subscription. |
- Tags:
- Low-Latency Writing
- AI-Driven Summaries
- Unlimited Canvas
17. Noteshelf
Natural handwriting, PDF annotation, Audio recording
Cost: Noteshelf for Android (Free to try), Noteshelf Club (Yearly) ($19.99 per year)
Immerse yourself in the remarkable world of note-taking with Noteshelf, a comprehensive app that transforms your mobile device into a digital notebook. Capture your thoughts, ideas, and inspirations effortlessly, enjoying the freedom to write, draw, and record audio within a single, user-friendly interface. Embrace the seamless synchronization capabilities of Noteshelf to ensure your notes remain accessible across your devices, providing peace of mind and convenience.
Despite its impressive capabilities, Noteshelf continues to evolve, incorporating valuable user feedback to enhance its functionality. Experience the precision of the highlight tool, which allows you to emphasize key points with ease. Explore a range of fonts to express your unique style, whether typing or handwriting. Rest assured that the dedicated development team is committed to addressing any concerns, ensuring that Noteshelf remains an indispensable tool for your note-taking needs.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Handwriting with stylus support, PDF annotation, audio recording, image insertion, shape drawing, notebook customization, handwriting recognition, and cloud syncing. |
| Pros | Intuitive interface, realistic writing experience, feature-rich, and reliable. |
| Cons | Limited free version functionality, occasional performance issues, some advanced features require subscription, not as many integrations as some competitors. |
- Tags:
- Handwritten notes
- PDF Annotation
- Audio recording
18. UpNote
Beautiful and elegant, Distraction-free writing, Powerful organization
Cost: Free (Free), Premium ($7.99/month or $39.99/year)
UpNote is a note-taking app that stands out for its lack of clutter and ads, making it a refreshing and enjoyable experience for users. Unlike other note-taking apps, UpNote offers a seamless syncing experience between devices, ensuring that your notes are always up-to-date and accessible wherever you go.
The app's intuitive interface and versatile features have made it a favorite among users. Whether you're a seasoned note-taker or new to the world of digital note-taking, UpNote's user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate and organize your notes effectively. Its premium features, such as advanced search and collaboration tools, are well worth the investment, providing users with even more functionality and customization options.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | UpNote offers a clean and intuitive interface for note-taking, organizing notes with notebooks and tags, Markdown support, real-time collaboration, and cross-platform syncing. |
| Pros | Easy-to-use, feature-rich, affordable, and available on multiple platforms. |
| Cons | Limited third-party integrations, lacks advanced features like backlinks and web clipper functionality found in some competitors. |
- Tags:
- Cross-platform syncing
- Elegant and minimal design
- Focus mode and typewriter mode
19. Nebo
Freeform note-taking, Handwriting to text, Shape recognition
Cost: Nebo (Free Trial & Subscription) (Free trial available, then subscription), Nebo for Samsung (Free)
Nebo, an exceptional note-taking app for mobile devices, empowers users to seamlessly capture their thoughts and ideas with ease. Its intuitive interface allows for natural handwriting, effortless typing, and precise drawing, making note-taking a breeze. With its unique freewrite section, Nebo offers an immersive writing experience that allows users to zoom in and out, ensuring that every detail is captured with clarity.
Despite its impressive capabilities, Nebo continues to evolve based on user feedback. Recent updates have addressed the occasional freezing issue that users experienced while reordering notes, ensuring a smooth and stress-free note-taking experience. Furthermore, the addition of note-syncing with Google Drive has enhanced accessibility, enabling Android users to access their synced notes with ease.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Handwriting recognition with editing and conversion to digital text, drawing, shape recognition, diagram creation, PDF annotation, synchronization, and cloud storage. |
| Pros | Powerful handwriting recognition, seamless note-taking experience, intuitive interface. |
| Cons | Limited pen options, occasional accuracy issues with handwriting recognition, paid subscription for full functionality. |
- Tags:
- Freeform note-taking
- Handwriting recognition
- Shape Recognition